I am pissed with Ozempic users. Most of them don’t need it.
If you’ve neglected your health and mistreated your body, it’s selfish to rely on a medication meant for patients who truly need it. If you don’t like how you look, exercise — don’t cheat by taking drugs.
I recently spoke with a patient I treated a while ago. Both of us enjoy running and have participated in NYRR races together. During our conversation, he seemed down, so I asked what was going on. It turns out he wasn’t receiving his Ozempic for his Type 2 Diabetes on time. He had tried various medications until Ozempic finally worked for him, albeit slowly.
What’s ozempic?
Ozempic (semaglutide) helps manage type 2 diabetes and aids in weight loss by mimicking a natural hormone called GLP-1. It helps your pancreas release the right amount of insulin after meals, lowers the hormone glucagon to prevent high blood sugar, and slows down digestion to keep you feeling full longer. Ozempic also reduces hunger and cravings by affecting brain areas that control appetite. These combined actions help regulate blood sugar levels and support weight loss.
Although much of the internet discusses Ozempic in the context of weight loss, it was originally created for patients with Type 2 diabetes. It significantly reduces the risk of kidney failure, loss of kidney function, and death from chronic kidney disease in these patients. Unfortunately, the current misuse of the drug is concerning.
First, Ozempic must be prescribed by a healthcare professional; it is not an over-the-counter medication. Additionally, it is not a one-time solution — you need to remain on it for the rest of your life. While Ozempic is often praised as a life-saving and miracle drug for those who are diabetic and/or obese, many people with a normal BMI are using it strictly for vanity purposes, which constitutes abuse.
Like pain medications for pain patients or benzodiazepines for severe anxiety, Ozempic is intended for those who genuinely need it. Misusing any medication, including Ozempic, is dangerous and unhealthy. Starving yourself is never healthy, whether it’s due to a classic eating disorder or a prescription appetite suppressant.
Ozempic is a preventative medication, not a curative one. It is meant to address weight loss before major health issues arise, as diet, weight loss, and diabetes (particularly Type 2) are closely linked. Moreover, diabetes is directly correlated with kidney function issues and disease.
Many people are uncomfortable with the idea of using medication for weight loss. However, given the numerous comorbidities associated with obesity, the United States spends more on weight-related healthcare than any other disease. It’s heartbreaking that people who genuinely need Ozempic sometimes can’t access it.
A common issue is that people start taking Ozempic, then stop and gain back more weight than they lost. This is particularly frustrating. Those taking it for legitimate medical reasons respond differently to the medication and its discontinuation compared to those who use it for minimal, non-medical weight loss. The latter group often spreads false information based on their personal experiences, which is incredibly misleading.
Seeking Medical Help is Okay
It’s perfectly okay if you’ve been struggling with weight loss for years despite maintaining a strict diet and exercising regularly. Seeking medical help in such cases is advisable and can provide the necessary support and solutions tailored to your needs. However, if you’re not making any effort towards a healthy lifestyle and are simply looking for a quick fix, that’s a different story. There’s no debate on this: neglecting diet and exercise and relying solely on medication is not a great mindset towards weight issues.
In truth, most people do not need Ozempic. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and good sleep can fix most weight issues for most people.
